On the heels of Ryan Seacrest signing a deal that gives him $30 million over three years plus $15 million for merchandising rights to his image, Simon Cowell has begun to discuss a pay raise, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The "American Idol" judge is in talks for what could be $45 million a year. Cowell currently makes about $36 million annually and still has another year on his contract but is looking at a new multiyear deal that would up his pay.
Fellow "Idol" host Paula Abdul is also reportedly seeking more money, though it appears less likely that she'll be able to work out a raise as large as her colleagues.
Abdul's current salary is around $4 million. She initially asked for as much as $20 million but has since come down to $12 million. She has spoken publicly about her displeasure with the way the talks have been going.
Nigel Lythgoe, an original executive producer of "Idol," said he didn't think it would greatly affect the show if Abdul left.
Cowell, on the other hand, is considered almost essential to the show's popularity. Though his current contract does not expire until next season, "American Idol" will air for at least two more years so Fox would prefer to secure Cowell now.
A complication in the contract negotiations is another musical talent program that Cowell hosts abroad, "X-Factor." As part of the new "Idol" agreement, Cowell could try to get a long-term commitment from Fox to put "X-Factor" on the air in the U.S.
The "American Idol" judge is in talks for what could be $45 million a year. Cowell currently makes about $36 million annually and still has another year on his contract but is looking at a new multiyear deal that would up his pay.
Fellow "Idol" host Paula Abdul is also reportedly seeking more money, though it appears less likely that she'll be able to work out a raise as large as her colleagues.
Abdul's current salary is around $4 million. She initially asked for as much as $20 million but has since come down to $12 million. She has spoken publicly about her displeasure with the way the talks have been going.
Nigel Lythgoe, an original executive producer of "Idol," said he didn't think it would greatly affect the show if Abdul left.
Cowell, on the other hand, is considered almost essential to the show's popularity. Though his current contract does not expire until next season, "American Idol" will air for at least two more years so Fox would prefer to secure Cowell now.
A complication in the contract negotiations is another musical talent program that Cowell hosts abroad, "X-Factor." As part of the new "Idol" agreement, Cowell could try to get a long-term commitment from Fox to put "X-Factor" on the air in the U.S.
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